The Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Era Officially Begins for Clippers

Patrick Beverley grabbed 16 rebounds and added 14 points, seven assists, three steals and two blocks

Pat Beverley Shines With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on Court For Clippers
Patrick Beverley of the Los Angeles Clippers. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty)
Getty Images

On a night when the Los Angeles Clippers had star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George together on the court for the first time this season it was veteran Patrick Beverley who shined the brightest in an overtime win.

In addition to playing his usual brand of stingy defense, Beverley grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds against the Celtics on Wednesday, adding 14 points, seven assists, three steals, two blocks and four 3-pointers.

His fourth came in the closing moments of overtime and staked the Clippers to a 107-102 lead.

Though the Celtics were able to pull within three, Kemba Walker’s potential game-tying 3-point attempt in the left corner at the buzzer was blocked by Leonard and the Clippers escaped with the 107-104 win.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers awarded Beverley the game ball following the win. “He literally singlehandedly willed that game with his effort, rebounding, making plays,” Rivers said of Beverley. “He’s a tough kid.”

Beverley’s heroics stole the spotlight of George and Leonard being on the floor together for the first time, but both played well, if a bit sloppily. Leonard had 17 points, George added 25 and sixth man Lou Williams scored 27 points. Leonard and George also each had five turnovers while Williams had seven.

“We’re going to have growing pains,” George said. “The great thing about myself and Kawhi is it doesn’t matter, we’re going to play basketball. Try to make the right plays and play off each other and just keep the game flowing. I thought in that aspect we were good.”

For the Celtics, third-year player Jayson Tatum scored a season-high 30 points and added six rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks and five 3-pointers in 41 minutes.

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